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Friday September 23, 2005

By DAVID WRIGHT

Police on two continents have been alerted to a plot to kill Joran van der Sloot and two other prime suspects in the case of missing Alabama teen Natalee Holloway.

Authorities in Aruba, where Natalee vanished nearly four months ago, have warned cops in Holland that there's a price on Joran's head.

Dutch-born Joran, 18, flew there after being released from prison to attend Arnhem Business School.

'There are angry people both in the U.S. and in Aruba who want him and his friends Deepak and Satish Kalpoe dead,' a source told The National Enquirer.

'Many in America believe the trio have escaped justice in Natalee's murder. Some Arubans are angry that Joran and the Kalpoes have brought so much negative attention to their island.

Officials have been told bluntly: 'They were better off in jail.' '

The threat was already obvious an hour before Joran and the Kalpoes were released from prison. A National Enquirer reporter on the scene watched a worried security detail sweep a house overlooking the prison for weapons.

'There have been warnings about mercenaries who are prepared to kill them, and violent people just waiting for the right moment,' said the source. 'I wouldn't even be surprised if Joran's mother or brother were kidnapped — his enemies might figure it's the only way to get Joran to talk.'

Arnhem police spokesman Gohan Rongen acknowledged that they were aware of Joran's presence there. Asked about death threats, he said: 'I can't give you any information.' "